Kenneth G. Bloomquist Prize

The Kenneth G. Bloomquist Prize was established by the Lansing Concert Band in 2011 to recognize and reward an outstanding high school musician in the mid-Michigan area. The award is named in honor of LCB Director Emeritus and former director of bands at Michigan State University, Ken Bloomquist. The $1,000 prize is awarded to the winner, who will also perform with the LCB as a featured soloist on our annual Young Artist''s Concert held in the spring (Saturday, April 29, 2017 this year).

Application information

The competition is open to high school musicians in grades 9–12 during the 2016-17 academic year, enrolled in school from the following counties: Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lenawee, Livingston, Midland, Montcalm, Oakland, Saginaw, Shiawassee and Washtenaw.

Performers of woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments may apply. Applicants must select a work for their instrument which has an available band or wind ensemble accompaniment and must submit an audio recording of their performance of that selection accompanied by piano, band, or orchestra.

Performance with the Lansing Concert Band will be April 29, 2017 in a Lansing-area venue. Deadline for application is February 18, 2017.

Judges’ decisions are final. The winner will be invited to perform their solo selection in concert with the Lansing Concert Band on April 29, 2017. A cash prize of $1,000 will be awarded along with a professional recording of the performance.

The application process is now closed. We will post information regarding the 2018 Bloomquist Prize during the fall of 2017.

Questions? Please e-mail us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (517) 321-3274.